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March 8, 2007

Pre-Game Notes

PITCHING:

The Pirates host the Devil Rays in a 1:05 showdown of MLB powerhouse franchises. Shane Youman will start for the Pirates with appearances from John Wasdin, Salomon Torres, Juan Perez, Kevin Gryboski and Allan Simpson.

Shane Youman, a 27-year-old lefthander, is making his second start of the spring today. He threw two scoreless innings against the Yankees on March 3. Last season Youman was 11-2with a 2.29 ERA in 31 minor league games, 18 starts, with Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. He had a 9-1 record and a 2.28 ERA in his 18 starts

Youman made five appearances, three starts, for the Pirates after a September call-up posting an 0-2 record with a 2.91 ERA. Over his minor league career he has a 33-13 record with a 3.08 ERA. Shane was the 43rd round selection of the Pirates in the 2000 Draft.

TOMORROW:

The Pirates have a day/night double header of sorts. They play at 1:05 at McKechnie against the Braves followed by a road trip to Winterhaven for a 7:05 meeting with the Tribe.

Scheduled to pitch in the first game against the Braves are Zach Duke and Atlanta’s Chuck James (LH). Masumi Kuwata is also scheduled to make an appearance.

The pitching matchup against the Tribe is Shawn Chacon against Cleveland’s Paul Byrd (RH). Sean Burnett is also scheduled to pitch.

YESTERDAY:

The Pirates beat the Twins, 5-2, Tony Armas Jr. started giving up three hits and one run in three innings. Marty McLeary went three innings allowing one hit a home run to Tommy Watkins

Ronny Paulino was 2 for 2. Jason Bay played his first game going 0 for 3 as the DH.

Former Twin Michael Ryan had two hits and three RBI.

RYAN-Mania:

Michael Ryan, from Indiana PA, has gone 9 for 17 playing in all seven of the Pirates Grapefruit League games. Five of his hits have come in his last seven at bats. He leads the Pirates with nine hits this spring.